Abuja, Nigeria — The Chairman and Founder of Innovative College of Education (ICE), Prof. Godwin Adebola Oladejobi, has called on the Federal Government to urgently revamp Nigeria’s educational curriculum and increase teachers’ salaries to meet global standards.
Prof. Oladejobi made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the institution’s maiden convocation ceremony for the 2022 to 2025 graduating class. Speaking at the event, he emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the nation’s education system to align with technological advancements adopted globally.
“Things will move forward and be better if the country’s education sector is revived, reformed, and transformed, especially with the technological innovation available to us,” he said. “All the government needs to do is implement these reforms where necessary for the educational sector to thrive.”
He lamented the ongoing brain drain in the education sector, attributing it to poor remuneration and lack of professional development opportunities for teachers.
“Many trained teachers are leaving the profession or relocating abroad due to inadequate salary structures and limited access to essential resources. Teachers need to be motivated and compensated to enhance quality education in the country,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Silas D. John highlighted the persistent challenges facing teacher education, including inadequate funding and infrastructural deficits. He noted that issues such as unreliable power supply, lack of internet connectivity, outdated library resources, and insufficient teaching materials continue to hamper teaching quality across Nigeria.
“When teacher training institutions are starved of the basic necessities, it is unrealistic to expect educators who can deliver quality education,” he said. “A teacher trained in scarcity is more likely to perpetuate the same cycle in the classroom.”
Also speaking at the event, the Esu Karu and President of the Karu Traditional Council, Pharm. (Dr.) Luka Panya Baba, who also serves as Chairman of ICE’s Governing Council, commended the college leadership and the graduating students. He urged them to remain committed to promoting education and innovation within their communities.
“You must continue to put education at the forefront and embrace an innovative culture to positively impact society,” he advised.
The convocation ceremony marked a significant milestone for ICE and its graduates, as the institution celebrated its first set of degree holders since its establishment.
